
DeForest Bucker isn’t worried that he and the 49ers have yet to work out a contract extension as he heads into his fourth year with the franchise.
Buckner is eligible to ink an extension this season, but both parties could wait if they so choose. Buckner did confirm that the lines of communication are open.
“We had conversations here and there,” Buckner said. “You know honestly, it’s very early. Just because I’m eligible for a new contract going into my fourth year, it’s still very early in the process.”
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Buckner is going to focus on preparing for the season and leave the rest to his agent, CEO Jed York, chief negotiator Paraag Marathe, and general manager John Lynch to work out the details.
Buckner’s third season was a break out year for the defensive lineman. He tallied a career-high 12 sacks and 17 tackles for a loss. He also racked up 20 quarterback hits and 67 total tackles, 44 of which were solo.
To help with the teams beleaguered pass rush, the team signed edge rusher Dee Ford during the offseason. They could even acquire another force on the edge from the draft class that’s deep with talent.
Lynch spoke during the offseason about the desire to build a defense that is a dominant force. Buckner sees that happening and isn’t worried about more defensive linemen coming into the fold, he relishes it, adding that can only make them better.
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Buckner even predicted that the 49ers second overall pick would be used on a defensive lineman.
“It doesn’t matter who they draft, all the guys are good this year,” Buckner said. “We’ll just add another dominant guy to the d-line and whoever it is, it doesn’t matter, I’m just very excited to get working with them and I know everyone in the room is excited. And that’s the goal this year. We need to be dominant.”
When asked if that was Buckner’s inside scoop on the 49ers draft pick he chuckled and expressed that he would be very happy with that choice.
“That’s my hope,” Buckner quipped. “Every year you hope to add another guy to the d-line to be a dominant force so you know, that’s what I’m hoping.”
[RELATED: Buckner knows he can improve on breakout season]
Buckner remains confident that the two sides will work it out eventually as they both share a common goal.
“I’m really just looking forward to being here with the team long term,” Buckner said. “Jed and John and Paraag and all them, Kyle (Shanahan) they all know that. They all know what I can bring to the table, and what I bring to the team and there’s no rush to it.”